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Tag Archives: deli

The Hatteras and Ocracoke Ferries

30 April 201716 September 2024

Cruising towards the island of  Ocracoke, the ferry is surrounded by an aggressive flock of seagulls.  The sea salt spray fills the air as the birds scavenge around for leftover food and fish churned up from the underside of the commuter boat.

The roundtrip Hatteras/Ocracoke route is the most popular of the seven itineraries that operates along the Carolina coastline. Lasting 45 minutes, the ferry transports bikes, cars, trucks and passengers on foot, 365 days a year, free of charge. During the summer season, the ferry runs ever 30 minutes starting at 5 AM in the morning until midnight. Wait times for the ferry can run from 15 minutes to several hours depending on the time of the year and is on a first come, first serve basis. Trips to Ocracoke Island from the mainland are also accessible from both the Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries.

Nearby the Hatteras Ferry terminal is the Hatteras Landing shopping center with a convenience store and deli as well as trendy boutiques and a surf shop.  Popular food stands provide plenty of options for grabbing a convenient meal before catching the boat ride over to the island.

For those with limited time, there are vending machines at the Visitor’s Center, where tourists can also pick up information about the island’s attractions.

At Hatteras Village, watch the fishermen bring in their day’s catch in the afternoon to have it weighed and cleaned.  There are fabulous seafood restaurants at The Harbors as well as spectacular waterfront views.

Once the ferry arrives at the terminal on Ocracoke Island, there is a 13-mile drive to reach Ocracoke Village.  Sand dunes provide a buffer between the beaches and the byway with plenty of beach access for the day.

Compared to the Hatteras Terminal, the Ocracoke Ferry Terminal is more primitive and simple with only a vending machine for snacks and basic restroom facilities.   A beach is within walking distance and can be accessed by one of three paths along the sound.

No reservations are required to ride the Ocracoke Ferry as it is a first come, first served facility.  There is no charge for the ride which runs 365 days per year, depending on the weather.  Vehicle parking is clearly marked  and visitors can leave their car and stroll around the terminal and nearby beach.  The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) recommends that passengers prepare to board the ferry by waiting inside of their vehicle 10 minutes before the time of departure.

The NCDOT provides a list of tips for traveling the Hatteras/Ocracoke ferries.

  • Avoid Tuesdays – Thursdays which are the most popular days during the summer.  Prime hours are considered 9 AM to 5 PM where waits can take up to several hours.
  • Visit Ocracoke Island in the evening and make plans to travel to Hatteras in the morning.  The shops in Ocracoke stay open late, closing around sunset or later.
  • Be ready to board the ferry 5 – 10 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat!
  • Smoking is not permitted on the ferry, including in your car.  Passengers may be fined if they disregard this rule.
  • Feeding the seagulls is not permitted.
  • Pets must be kept on a leash while riding the ferry.
  • The NCDOT reserves the right to check your driver’s license before boarding.  This is part of the Homeland Security program.
  • Priority passage lanes for those who have a priority pass.  No exceptions!
  • The last ferry from Hatteras Island or Ocracoke is 12:00 AM.  Don’t miss the boat!
  • The ferry terminal reserves the right to postpone or cancel ferry service due to extreme weather conditions, such as high winds.
  • The most scenic time  to take the ferry is at sunset or sunrise.

During our vacations to the Outer Banks, our family has continued  the tradition of taking the Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry to explore the island.   The look on the children’s faces as we drive our cars on the ramp is an enjoyable moment.  They love the seagulls and feeling the sea mist upon their faces.  You can’t beat the price and experience of this entertaining mode of transportation and the memories that are made are forever priceless.

Have you had the opportunity to visit Okracoke Island by taking the Hatteras Ferry?  What are some of your most cherished memories of your visit?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave your comments below.  Many thanks for reading about my wonderful memories of the Outer Banks and wishing you many Happy Travels!

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Mike & Rosy’s Deli: A Springfield, Ohio Institution

7 May 201531 August 2024

I had a friend in high school, Joanna, whose father was a professor at nearby Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio.  I always admired her because she was so smart and had such great experiences having access to the nearby college campus and its restaurants.

I remembered that she talked about hanging out at Mike & Rosy’s deli, located on McCreight Avenue.  The deli was considered a Wittenberg institution for local college students for as long as I could remember. The closest I had ever been to the restaurant was passing by in our car on our way to church on Sundays.

Mike Rosencrans (“Rosy”) Mike Wagner founded Springfield’s local deli in March of 1977, forty-five years ago.  I  couldn’t wait to try their famous steamed Reuben Sandwich, a bag of kettle chips and delicatessen pickles.

Waiting for my made-to-order sandwich, I climbed the stairs to check out Rosy’s press box where locals stop by to watch the latest sports game with access to a full-service bar.  There are also televisions in each room for overflow that seats up to 50 visitors.

As a former Athletic Director at Wittenberg University, Rosy knew a lot about sports, was a friendly guy and loved to great the deli’s customers.

The refrigerators are a great place to pick up a couple of take-out side items in addition to their the sandwiches.

From the counter where I ordered my lunch, I could watch the servers making several sandwiches ahead of mine.  The location of the deli was once a gas station in the 1960s and 70s but expanded in 1981 with the addition of the dining room. In 1983,  Mike and Rosy’s expanded their kitchen and added the Pressbox in 2006.   The walls in the dining room display all types of sports memorabilia including photos and a variety of jerseys from college and professional sports.

I spent a few minutes browsing the jerseys on the wall and soon my Reuben was ready.  I found a seat near one of the televisions mounted on the wall to watch the Cincinnati Bengals game and enjoyed my sandwich dripping with Thousand Island dressing and sauerkraut.  In addition to creating thick, juicy sandwiches from Boar’s Head meats, Mike & Rosy’s success comes from their continued support of local sports teams and their deep love of the Springfield community.

Have you visited Mike & Rosy’s Deli in Springfield, Ohio? What did you order?  I would love to hear about your stop at one of my favorite hometown restaurants if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.

What to See and What to Do:

Mike & Rosy’s Deli
330 W. McCreight Avenue
Springfield, OH  45202
Telephone:  937 390 3511

Where to Stay:

Courtyard Marriott Springfield
100 S. Fountain Avenue
Springfield, OH  45502
Telephone:  937 322 3600

Where to Eat:

Heart of Country Gift Shoppe and Teaberries Cafe
1600 E. Leffel Lane
Springfield, OH  45505
Telephone:  937 325 3030

I could spend hours strolling the Heart of Country Shoppe, but when I visit, I can’t wait to have lunch at Teaberries.   I always start my lunch with a piece of yummy, moist orange bread.  Known for their wide varieties of chicken salad sandwiches, I always revert to the House Favorite, the Midwest Delight, served on a butter croissant.   If you have room, try their homemade carrot cake or peanut butter pie.

More favorite Springfield eateries:

  • Schuler’s Donuts:   Their chocolate cream-filled doughnut is their best seller…”home of homemade”. The bakery has several locations in Springfield.
  • Simon Kenton Inn:  This historical home is an inn, restaurant and entertainment venue.  With great food, I love the atmosphere of the Simon Kenton Inn.
  • Guerra’s Krazy Tacos:  One of my favorite places to eat in Springfield, Guerra’s is known for their unique gourmet tacos.
  • Salato Deli:  I love stopping by this deli for their charcuterie board
  • Le Torte Dolci Bakery;  Located next to the Salato Deli, this European French bakery also serves amazing gelato.
  • Mike & Rosie’s Deli:  This staple of Springfield is located near the Wittenberg campus and I am extremely fond of their Reuben sandwich.

Where to Drink: 

  • Mother Stewart’s Brewing Company: Springfield’s only brewery, Mother Stewart’s showcases nine craft beers produced onsite.

What to Read:

  • The Book of Springfield, Ohio, 1906, by Springfield Commercial Club
  • Springfield, Ohio:  A Summary of Two Centuries, by Tom Dunham
  • Ridgewood in the Country Club District, by Tamara K. Dallenbach
  • Still Standing:  A life of pain, adversity and perseverance, by James Cooper
  • Hometown Killer, by Carol Rothgeb

Photo Guide for Springfield, Ohio:  

  • Hartman Rock Garden
  • Westcott House, Frank Lloyd Wright House
  • Glen Helen Nature Preserve in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Heritage Center of Clark County
  • Tecumseh Land Trust in nearby Yellow Springs
  • Ohio Caverns in nearby Bellefontaine
  • Oakes Quarry Park in nearby Fairborn, Ohio

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I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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